By Star-Bulletin Staff

Same-sex marriage debate may erupt
at Democratic assembly

Look for the issue of same-sex marriages to come up at the state Democratic convention in Waikiki starting May 24.

The battle for national committeewoman pits two women who have been on opposite sides of the issue during the legislative session.

Current committeewoman Linda Rosehill is lobbyist for Hawaii's Future Today, the organization that railed against homosexual unions during the recent session. Opposing her is Amy Agbayani, chairwoman of the state Civil Rights Commission who has testified in support of gay marriages.

Party members say resolutions and floor fights over same-sex unions may also be looming.

Tradewinds should clear heavy vog today

If it seems like there's something in the air, that's because there is.

It's volcanic smog or vog - which has been clouding air quality across much of the state.

Observers say the vog infusion began Sunday and Monday in Kona on the Big Island.

Willie Nagamine, head of the Clean Air Branch of the Department of Health, says he noticed the volcanic fumes in Honolulu, especially on Monday.

At the National Weather Service in Hilo, Ron Aranita says he could see 10 miles from Hilo Airport yesterday. On Monday, he could only see five miles.

Aranita says the vog has been visible across the state because of stagnant air. Tradewinds are expected to return today.

Man who says Macing unfair will get $10,000

A City Council committee has given initial approval for a $10,000 settlement with an Oahu man who said he was unjustly sprayed with Mace by Honolulu police.

Police Chief Michael Nakamura criticized the settlement, which he says comes as the Police Department is trying to convince officers that Mace and pepper spray are alternatives to restraint.

Wadsworth, 36, claimed he was wrongfully arrested, Maced and prosecuted for harassment, a charge for which he was later acquitted. Wadsworth said he was sitting in his car putting on his shoes while parked in Waikiki on Nov. 28, 1993, when he exchanged words with another man who threatened to call police. When police arrived to investigate a noise complaint, they ordered Wadsworth to put his hands on top of his car under threat of being Maced, Wadsworth claimed.

For expanded versions of these and other stories,
see today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Police/Fire

By Star-Bulletin staff

Police testing Buck knife found
at scene of slaying

Police are conducting tests on a Buck knife found at Nanakuli Beach Park and believed to be the weapon used in the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old Maili man.

Hansen Kaawa was stabbed in the chest and stomach during a brawl that broke out late Saturday during a birthday party.

An 18-year-old Nanakuli High School student was arrested Monday after he told a school counselor he had a statement to make to police. He remains in custody.

Kaawa, the eldest of five children, was to leave for Navy training in July.